Last minute water heater venting switch

[rustwood]

Hello -

I signed an agreement for a 90%+ furnace and a direct vent water heater, but now the installer says that there isn't enough room to do it to code. His solution is to go with a standard water heater and install a chimney liner for the same price as the direct vent water heater. Is this fair? He says it is going to cost him more than the direct vent. Even though that may be the economics of it, it somehow seems like I am losing out. Of course when it comes time to replace it, the standard WH will cost less and it doesn't look like the efficiency ratings are all that different between the two types. What about the passive losses from the flue - do the efficiency ratings take them into account? Are they insignificant for a WH?

I had 6 vendors come out to give me an estimate (2 never sent a quote and one just had a price for a "90% heater and 13 SEER AC" - no other details at all, not even a brand). They all seemed to think the direct vent WH would have been fine, but it is entirely possible that none of them could have actually done it to code. Other than this issue, all other indications thus far have been that this company does very good work. I am hoping everything else goes as expected - both for my sake and so that I can safely recommend this company to 2 other family members and a friend who are all planning on replacing their systems.

[rideon1200]

Be glad they told you they could not do it to code and gave you a choice. Some might have thrown it in no matter what. Most do not get mechanical permits which are needed in every state and a inspections. Sound like a legit company. They did get a permit...right?

[BaldLoonie]

I'd prefer the latter route anyway. Power vent heaters can be noisy, lots to go wrong and the exhaust blower sucks plenty of air out of your basement, that's how it can vent on PVC. Using standard tank and liner is just fine.

[rustwood]

Thanks much for the replies. It did occur to me that it was at least good that they told me about it - better to do it now than later.

As for the permit, the contract said they would take care of the permit if one is required (at my expense), but I haven't seen a permit and I haven't been asked for any fees (yet). I know the permit is for my protection, but permit fees in my locality seem excessive - much higher than where I used to live. I don't know for sure, but a neighbor said he thought that the inspectors get paid a percentage of the fees. If so, that seems like a conflict of interest to me. That's another rant though.

[rideon1200]

Unless they are changing out like for like, or if it is gas a permit is required. This is to protect YOU. I have a customer who is getting fined because the contractor did not get a permit. Also she has about 500.00 of work that needs to be done. Also, what happens if there is a safty issue. I dont know where you live but i doubt they get a cut.

[yelram]

Be glad they told you they could not do it to code and gave you a choice. Some might have thrown it in no matter what. Most do not get mechanical permits which are needed in every state and a inspections. Sound like a legit company. They did get a permit...right?

Not in PA. If its an existing building, we can do anything we want without inspections. We dont even have to get permits for new housing, just inspection.

[rustwood]

Unless they are changing out like for like, or if it is gas a permit is required.

It is gas and it is swapping an existing system for a higher efficiency system. Of course the furnace will be a direct vent. Is that like for like? The lead installer seems to be a stickler for code issues and explained several times that it would be bad for us both if there were any code problems. I should ask to be clear, but I have to think either they pulled a permit or don't think they need one. They do a lot of work in my area and are putting out a lawn sign, so I doubt they are trying to slip anything past anyone.

[tinknocker service tech]

if they say it can not be done to code then there is no room to disscuss it
i also would prefer it vented witha liner and as far as cost imo it is a wash

they have your best interst and of cousre thiers in mind